Our crossing on Lake Ontario was a piece of cake, compared to other crossing days. As we exited Lake Ontario we entered the Thousand Islands region of NY and Canada, possibly another favorite on this journey.
First stop was Clayton NY, where we anchored in the bay, with several other loopers.
We enjoyed a yummy breakfast with our anchorage buddy boats and then toured around town, enjoying many murals and quaint shops.
A highlight during our stay in Clayton was visiting the Antique Boat Museum.
Scott even found an outboard motor named after him, "Scott" Diesel.
We boarded a wooden boat at the museum and took a tour of the surrounding islands.
The scenery was amazing including pink granite, white swans, a Victorian neighborhood (with coordinating boathouses of the same color), "cottages" and lighthouses.
The interesting Post Office of Frontenac NY, only open 1 1/2 hrs a day on Round Island. I can't imagine they have many customers in the winter. 🥶
Our friends, and fellow loopers, boarded their tour and rode around as well!
As we left Clayton, we passed more beautiful rock and homes of all shapes and sizes, many on their own island.
Fun facts about the Thousand Islands:
1) There are over 1864 islands.
2) To be considered an island here, it must stay above water 365 days a year and support one living tree.
3) This area is a haven for fresh water scuba diving and shipwrecks.
4) This is a playground for the rich and famous.
5) Thousand Island dressing originated here.
The smallest inhabited island is named "Just Room Enough" and consists of only 1/13th of an acre.
We tried to check into Canadian customs after leaving Clayton, but since we were anchoring it was not allowed. They told us to call back when we stepped on Canadian land (🤔 Hmmm). I would imagine there is a lot of back and forth between countries in this area by boat. The border lies somewhere in the water in and out of the 1864 islands. So be it, we had a nice evening on anchor and then moved to another anchorage back in the USA.
We toured the famous Boldt Castle on Heart Island. In 1900 George C Boldt, famous owner of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, began building this castle as a display of love for his wife. Unfortunately, she died in 1904, the castle was incomplete and he never stepped foot on the island again. For 73 years the building was left untouched, except for the elements of weather and vandals. In 1977 it was acquired by the Thousand Island Bridge Authority, and renovations/construction commenced again. Even now in 2023, much of the castle is still unfinished.
The view of the castle from the water was amazing on this beautiful day.
The boathouse sits on a separate property, and is just as grandiose as the castle, but in an entirely different style.
The views looking out the windows of the castle are impressive.
An example of one of many hallways still not completed.
Parts of the castle include memorabilia from the past 75 years. Unfortunately vandals still attack, as you can see under the sign.
I was taking a picture of this interesting door and didn't even see Scott in the reflection until editing pictures. Pretty cool..
The grounds surrounding the castle might be more magnificent than the castle itself.
A few miles down river from Boldt Castle, is Singer Castle (Singer Sewing Machines). We couldn't tour this one, but did a slow ride around.
A couple more homes and islands. One serious walkway to the water!
Sailboats are plentiful in the Thousand Islands, and we encountered many of these obstacles along the way.
Our first Canadian city to visit this trip was Brockville ON. It was amazing how many steeples shot up into the sky on this view as we entered the harbor.
We settled in at the municipal docks and then called in to clear customs, finally! Easy, peasy 😊 A lot easier on a boat.
We visited the local brewery in Brockville, 1000 Islands Brewing Co, with fellow loopers and also enjoyed the best "burnt ends" we have ever had!
Took a walk around town and found a "phone booth"! Seems to be more common around Canada, then the USA.
Brockville Tunnel is a railway tunnel built in the 1800's. As you enter music surrounds you and lights dance back and forth through the structure. There is a history lesson involved as you continue walking through.
Brockville is a beautiful city, with numerous sights on the waterfront (i.e., Canadian Air Force Jets, very large red Adirondack chairs and several different sculptures.
As we headed into our first lock on the St. Lawrence River, we realized it's basically a drive-through. As you drive in, the opposite gate opens and off you go! Even small boats and jet skis go right through the dam.
We toured one of the Parks of St. Lawrence, the Upper Canada Village, the largest living-history site in Canada. This park depicts what life was like in a rural Canadian settlement in 1866, very similar to Williamsburg Va in the US.
There were animals everywhere...
The wooden boat was pulled by one horse, the way they would have to maneuver through the waterways. They built small canals, protected from the raging waters of the St. Lawrence, to travel the shore. Seems obvious now, but I never realized this is where the word "horsepower" (as in motors, comes from).
Views of the river and beautiful gardens and churches.
As we continued north on the St. Lawrence, we were traveling with Kelly and Marty (Simplify) and Chris and Cheri (Anchored Souls). We traversed more locks...
and some of us napped 💤 , Kelly on Simplify. We tried to spray him with a hose, but he was too far away.
Our last stop, before Montreal, was Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. We walked through the town (miles & miles) and enjoyed a beautiful day.
Interesting use of a fire hydrant.
We walked straight into this amazing cathedral, Basilique-Cathedrale Saint Cecile de Valleyfield and were met immediately by one of the church volunteers. She inquired as to why we were there. We assumed the cathedral was open to the public, as most American ones are, but we were mistaken. I'm sure they were thinking "crazy Americans" 😂. They did graciously give us a tour and explained how the building had been damaged by a fire over 8 years ago and was still being refurbished.
Very interesting "Flotel", with independent solar panels for each room.
We anchored in a gorgeous bay just outside of Valleyfield, but it was a little weedy as you can see.
The Beauharnois Locks were the last for us before arriving in Montreal area. We had heard horror stories on these locks, but we were pleasantly surprised. All went well!! The walls are very tall, and they give you a rope to hang onto as the water lowers.
There was a very large ship waiting to lock through when we exited the lock. It was amazing to see how the ship only had inches to spare on each side as it entered the lock chamber.
While visiting Montreal, we stayed at the Royal St. Lawrence Yacht Club, which was just south of the airport. Anchored Souls had family fly in to visit, and we enjoyed a week of sightseeing and cruising with them.
Montreal is a vast city and we walked the streets for 2 days.
City Views...
The largest rubber duck store I have ever seen. Actually, the only rubber duck store I have ever seen.
Ferris wheel and aerial obstacle course.
We visited another basilica, Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal.
Even though there is massive construction ongoing, we enjoyed the views outside the Oratory. It sits up on a hill overlooking the City of Montreal.
This statue at the base of the basillica depicts a group of migrants and refugees from different origins and time. It's detail is incredible.
We are always searching for farmers markets, and the Marche Jean-Talon was amazing.
The famous butter tarts, any flavor of your choice.
We were on the hunt for "The Murals on Saint Laurent Blvd" and found some of them...
As well as the street "du Mont-Royal Ave". This street is closed to all traffic the entire spring and summer and becomes the longest "sidewalk" we have ever seen (miles, upon miles, of restaurants, bars, shops, interesting people, etc). Unique benches line the street.
It was a great summer day!
We dined at the famous Jardin Nelson restaurant and enjoyed a delightful meal listening to a jazz band and surrounded by a beautiful garden. Never been to Paris, but this is what I would expect.
Before leaving Montreal, we needed a Walmart stop for supplies. Canadian Walmarts are different in so many ways to their US counterparts. A first for us, an escalator for the shopping cart!
We said our goodbyes to Montreal and headed onto the Ottawa River, bound for Ottawa and the Rideau Canal.
Until next time...
NEXT UP: OH, CANADA AGAIN & AGAIN!! PART 2
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